Pants

Gathers at the crotch look very ugly and make pants look like they have been borrowed. With old pants, this problem arises if you put on weight on your hips.

Make sure you never buy pants, which gather at the crotch. Replace your old pants and buy a new pair.

When you go shopping NEVER miss the trail. Make sure there is a chair in the room, sit and see if it is comfortable enough to be worn all day. Bend down on your knees to check if your waist opens up in a cup. If it does, you might need to tuck in an inch.

Shoulders and Sleeves

Always remember that the shoulders of any outfit should not reach the arms. During trials for a top, stand straight with your chest out. Feel your shoulder bone to know where the shoulder of the top should end. This way you won't go wrong.

The sleeves of a top / blouse should begin at the end of your shoulder bone. Move both hands in circular motion. If you are able to do so comfortably, drop that top / blouse in the shopping bag. If not, place it back on the shelf.

Remember to keep in mind the skirt or trouser with which you plan to match your top. Low waist pants are a little tricky. Make sure your waist / tummy line does not show when you lift your hands. Unless, you plan to intentionally bare your middle.

Length and Width

The length of an outfit is a personal choice. Let the skirt be as short as you want, but DO alter the length of your pants. Long trouser legs sweeping the floor not only looks shabby but will also get dirty.

Fabrics that shrink often make the outfit go out of shape. When buying a tailored pant or top, instruct the designer / tailor to leave few inches of extra fabric at the sides and bottom before stitching. If your outfit shrinks after the first wash, you can open the seams to make it longer or looser.

Neck and Bust

Always make sure the neck of the top suits your body type. When buying a top with a broad neck, plan the bra. Before you wear the top and head out, bend down in front of a mirror to check how much it reveals.

The top should be wide enough to let your breasts breath. Don't squeeze into a tight top just because it looks trendy.

Make a note of these points. They will help you not only while shopping, but also while selecting an outfit for a regular day at work.